House Weighs Crackdown On Repeat Dui Offenders

Legislature '98 - Legislative roundup

Dangerous drivers would have a tougher time getting hardship licenses under a bill that was heard in the House on Wednesday.

The bill (CS/HB 3511) would permanently revoke licenses for drivers charged with murder from the operation of a motor vehicle, vehicular homicide and driving without a license involving death.

It would require the court to authorize those drivers to apply for reinstatement. It would also require a judge's approval before people convicted of four or more DUIs could seek reinstatement.

The bill would require drivers who are sent to prison to serve their license suspension after they leave prison.

``This bill will help keep those most serious drivers off the streets in the state of Florida,'' said Rep. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, the bill's sponsor.

A similar bill in the Senate (SB 1218) is headed for the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

MONEY SET ASIDE TO HELP CLEAN UP ABANDONED SITES

Urban neighborhoods pockmarked with abandoned, contaminated land are getting a boost from the Legislature, for the second straight year.

The Senate on Wednesday approved the creation of a loan fund to help investors pay back taxes and other debts on abandoned inner-city property.

A year ago, the Legislature approved $3 million in grants for cities and counties hoping to entice development on the old gas stations, dry cleaners and factories that frequently stymie the economies in urban areas.

An additional $3 million to $4 million will be available from the state this year, depending on the outcome of budget negotiations.

In tinkering with last year's bill, lawmakers extended the property eligible for cleanup money to include military bases. The move could help cities such as Orlando, where the Naval Training Center is closing.

PENSION BOOST FOR POLICE, FIREFIGHTERS GAINS GROUND

Increased pension benefits for police and firefighters would be required of cities and counties under a bill that passed the House on Wednesday.

Orlando and other cities have opposed the bill (HB 3075), saying that it undermines the collective bargaining process.

But supporters say the bill, sponsored by Rep. Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, ensures fair treatment for police and firefighters throughout the state.

``Let's do something for the men and women who risk their lives every day,'' Rep. Bob Starks, R-Orlando, said.

A similar bill in the Senate (SB 270) is headed for a hearing in the Ways and Means Committee.